Texas' highest criminal court today denied a request by Republican representative Tom DeLay to toss out criminal money laundering charges against him or grant him a quick trial.
The denial of the two legal motions by the Court of Criminal Appeals came just two days after the former US House of Representatives Majority Leader announced he would not try to reclaim the post.
Neither Mr DeLay nor his lawyers were immediately available for comment on the ruling, which was issued without a written opinion.
Mr DeLay was indicted in September for conspiring to violate the state's election laws. In October, prosecutors won a new indictment on charges the powerful congressman engaged in money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The original charges were dismissed by a Texas judge, although the money laundering charges, which carry a potential punishment of life in jail, remain.
The trial date has not yet been set.
Mr DeLay gave up his post as Majority Leader when he was first indicted, as required by Republican Party rules. But he had hoped a quick trial and exoneration on the Texas charges would allow him to resume the post before the House returns on January 31st.
However, new questions about his close relationship with lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who last week pleaded guilty to fraud charges, triggered calls by several House Republicans for Mr DeLay's permanent removal.
The Texas case against Mr DeLay accuses him and two colleagues of laundering $190,000 in corporate donations through the Texans for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee (TRMPAC) by funneling money through the Republican National Committee for distribution to Republican candidates in 2002.
Texas law forbids the use of corporate money in political campaigns.